Year 11 - English
The presentation of the male characters in Winsome Pinnock's in 'Leave Taking'
Leave Taking: an intersectional analysis
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupls complete an intersectional analysis of 'Leave Taking'. They first learn about intersectionality, and then apply it to 'Leave Taking'. They look at 1980s Britian, matriarchy, male characters and Black British experiences before writing an essay about coming of age in the play.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the choices Pinnock made about the male characters in 'Leave Taking'.
Key Notes
- Arguably, Pinnock centres women's voices in 'Leave Taking'.
- The character of Brod is the only onstage male character.
- Brod serves many important dramatic functions.
- Enid's husband is an important off stage character.
- References to Enid's husband help audiences understand the character of Enid and aspects of 1980s Britain.
Vocabulary To Learn
- dramatic function: the purpose of the character: how they help a playwright develop, emphasise and reveal certain ideas
- catalyst: something that causes a change or event to occur
- foil: a character who contrasts with another character
- insight: the ability to gain precise and profound (deep) understanding of someone or something
- develop: to increase, deepen and grow
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- You can't explore the dramatic function of off stage characters.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Arguably, Pinnock centres women's voices in 'Leave Taking'. The character of Brod is the only onstage male character.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'dramatic function'
the purpose of the character: how they help a playwright develop, emphasise and reveal certain ideas.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: You can't explore the dramatic function of off stage characters. Correction: Off stage characters can help develop a world beyond the stage itself, grounding the play in its own reality.
More Lessons In This Unit
- In what ways is 'Leave Taking' a social commentary on 1980s Britain? Study Guide
- Planning an essay about coming of age in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' Study Guide
- The presentation of Black British experiences in Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' Study Guide
- The presentation of the matriarchy in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' Study Guide
- Understanding intersectionality in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' Study Guide
- Using context in a 'Leave Taking' essay about intergenerational conflict Study Guide
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